Improved Ejection Fraction in Heart Failure Tied to Better Outcomes, But Clinical Risks Remain: Study Finds
Written By : Medha Baranwal
Medically Reviewed By : Dr. Kamal Kant Kohli
Published On 2025-08-06 02:45 GMT | Update On 2025-08-06 10:54 GMT
Advertisement
USA: A substantial portion of patients diagnosed with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) go on to experience meaningful improvement in cardiac function, but they remain at notable clinical risk—emphasizing the continued need for guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT). The findings stem from a large, retrospective cohort study published in JACC by Dr. Kyung H. Min and colleagues from Kaiser Permanente San Francisco Medical Center.
Analyzing electronic health data from 28,292 patients with newly diagnosed HFrEF between 2013 and 2022, the study revealed the following:
- Around 31% of patients experienced significant improvement in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), meeting the criteria for heart failure with improved ejection fraction (HFimpEF).
- This improvement was defined as an absolute increase in LVEF of more than 10%, reaching above 40% within one year of diagnosis.
- Patients with HFimpEF had lower rates of worsening heart failure events (17.4 per 100 person-years) compared to those with persistent HFrEF (34.1 per 100 person-years).
- All-cause mortality was also lower in the HFimpEF group, at 5.7 versus 11.0 per 100 person-years.
- Despite clinical improvements, HFimpEF did not equate to complete recovery, and the risk of adverse events remained.
- Reducing or discontinuing guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT) after improvement was associated with increased clinical risk.
- A slight decline in the use of evidence-based therapies such as beta-blockers, RAAS inhibitors, and MRAs was observed after patients transitioned to HFimpEF.
- Researchers cautioned that this drop in therapy use could negatively affect long-term outcomes if not carefully managed.
Our comments section is governed by our Comments Policy . By posting comments at Medical Dialogues you automatically agree with our Comments Policy , Terms And Conditions and Privacy Policy .
Disclaimer: This website is primarily for healthcare professionals. The content here does not replace medical advice and should not be used as medical, diagnostic, endorsement, treatment, or prescription advice. Medical science evolves rapidly, and we strive to keep our information current. If you find any discrepancies, please contact us at corrections@medicaldialogues.in. Read our Correction Policy here. Nothing here should be used as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We do not endorse any healthcare advice that contradicts a physician's guidance. Use of this site is subject to our Terms of Use, Privacy Policy, and Advertisement Policy. For more details, read our Full Disclaimer here.
NOTE: Join us in combating medical misinformation. If you encounter a questionable health, medical, or medical education claim, email us at factcheck@medicaldialogues.in for evaluation.